Abuja, Nigeria – Nigerian security agencies have concluded investigations into an alleged plot to violently remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office, with 40 suspects — including serving and retired military officers, a police inspector, and civilians — arrested in a coordinated operation.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed on Monday, February 3, 2026, that the probe, which involved weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, has been completed. A detailed report has been forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
Major General Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah, who coordinates security operations in the South-South, described the suspects’ conduct as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
The arrests were carried out through a joint covert operation led by Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS). Thirteen suspects were initially detained by the SSS, including two military personnel (one retired), one serving police inspector, and ten civilians.
Security briefings indicate that 16 serving military officers were directly implicated in the alleged plot. Two civilians were assigned reconnaissance duties, two others were recruited to incite public unrest as a pretext for intervention, and five more were linked to funding channels.
One detained soldier reportedly escaped custody but was tracked and rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi State.
The plot reportedly originated during the 2023 transition period, with initial plans to disrupt the May 29 presidential inauguration handover from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu. Investigators said the scheme was paused due to insufficient funding and logistical challenges but was revived in 2025, with funds allegedly moved through multiple bank accounts linked to a Bureau de Change operator.
A former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, and a retired senior officer identified as General Adamu were named in the investigation as alleged financial backers. Both men, along with three other suspects connected to the same network, remain at large. One fugitive is believed to have fled to a South American country, though exact details have not been disclosed for operational security reasons.
The full list of 40 suspects released by security agencies includes:
- Senior officers: Brigadier General MA Sadiq (Army Headquarters Garrison), Colonel MA Ma’aji (Defence Space Administration), Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah (525 Signal Regiment), and others from battalions and special forces units across the country.
- Mid-level and junior officers: Majors, captains, lieutenants, warrant officers, sergeants, corporals, and lance corporals from various Army, Navy, and Air Force formations.
- Civilians: Umoru Zekeri (villa electrician with Julius Berger), Ali Isah (villa ambulance driver), Stanley Kingley Amandi (alleged propagandist), and others.
- Retired personnel: Navy Captain EO Victor and Major General IM Gana (rtd).
Prosecutors and investigators have not yet filed formal charges in open court, but all arrested suspects are expected to face internal military disciplinary processes and/or criminal prosecution depending on their status and roles.
The Defence Headquarters described the alleged conspiracy as a grave breach of military discipline and national security. No evidence has been publicly presented linking the plot to any foreign government or terrorist organisation.
The investigation also produced records of communications, financial transfers, and planning documents that security agencies say demonstrate intent to destabilise the government.
This is the most significant reported coup-related arrest in Nigeria since the 1990s and comes amid heightened national security concerns following several incidents of political tension and economic sabotage in different parts of the country.
Neither the Presidency nor the Office of the National Security Adviser has issued an official statement on the matter as of February 3, 2026. The suspects remain in custody pending further legal and disciplinary actions.
